Dockboard & Dockplate Selection Guide

Choosing the right size and capacity improves your dock operation

Use the calculator and capacity chart on this page to help determine which equipment best suits your needs.

Step 1: Dockboard Size Calculator

Enter Your Dimensions In Inches:
Dock Height:
Truck Height:

Typical Truck Heights

Freight Line: 46" - 56"

Flatbed: 50" - 60"

Bob Tail: 46" - 48"

Containers: 56" - 62"

Refrigerated: 50" - 60"
Pallet Width:
Forklift Width:

Your Recommended Dockboard LENGTH in Inches:

Using a pallet jack:
Using a propane forklift:
Using an electric forklift:

Your Recommended Dockboard WIDTH in Inches:

Width:

Step 2: Weight Capacity

Select capacity based upon the type of forklift and lifting capacity.

Capacity Selection Chart
Lifting Capacities (lbs) Board Capacity (lbs)
3-Wheel Forklift 4-Wheel Forklift
2,000-2,500 2,000-3,000 10,000
-- 3,000-4,000 13,000
3,000-3,500 5,000 15,000
4,000-5,000 5,000-6,000 20,000
Dockboard/Dockplate Capacities (lbs)
Aluminum Model A-B 2,150 - 4,750
Aluminum Model AC 10,000 - 15,000
Aluminum Model BC 15,000
Steel - Model SC 10,000
Steel - Model T 15,000
Steel - Model C 15,000
Other sizes and capacities may be available. Contact us for more information.

Note:

  1. Check with your forklift manufacturer for grade limitations with your specific model of forklift. These numbers are intended only as guidelines, and assume up to a 14% grade for electric forklifts, and a 19% grade for propane forklifts.
  2. Standard widths for dockboards are 30" - 84" in 6 inch increments. (Not all widths are available for every model.) Round up the minimum width shown above to the nearest standard width.
  3. For increased end loading efficiency, you may want to choose a wider board width than the minimum. Refer to the diagram to the right.
  4. Forklifts with forks 72" or longer require a longer length dockboard than those listed. Please contact us for this situation.
  5. Stackers and narrow aisle loaders are not recommended for use with dockboards due to low ground clearance.
  6. For paper roll clamps and multi-shift loading add 5,000 lbs. to the dock board capacity.
  7. Capacities are rated for single-shift operation at a 3 mile per hour maximum rate of travel.